Sean Spicer resigns

Sean Spicer resigned from his job as White House press secretary this morning. The resignation occurred promptly after President Trump appointed Anthony Scaramucci to be White House communications director. Spicer reportedly told Trump he believes the appointment is a major mistake.

It had been rumored for quite some time that Spicer would go. He seemed to lose Trump’s confidence and certainly had lost the trust of the White House press corps. I should add that neither loss was entirely Spicer’s fault.

Scaramucci who founded a global investment firm, has been a Fox News contributor. He is said to have the backing of Trump’s children and son-in-law.

Scaramucci has vigorously defended President Trump on air. However, according to the New York Times (which should know), he “enjoys good relationships with journalists from an array of outlets, including those the president has labeled ‘fake news.’”

Don’t expect these good relationships to last long.

Scaramucci’s appointment and Spicer’s resignation are viewed as defeats for White House chief of staff Reince Priebus. Spicer got the job on Priebus’ recommendation. As for Scaramucci, Priebus is said to believe he lacks the requisite organizational and political experience. Rumor has it that there is personal animosity between the two, as well. Reportedly, Scaramucci has been give significant power independent of Priebus’s.

The best explanation of the shake-up in the White House communications shop, for Priebus’s setback, and for a shakeup in Trump’s legal team may be this: